If it feels like 2020 rolled right into 2021 without a break in the action, you would not be alone. But there are important updates and deadlines that come along with the new year! Read more for news from Collier County Public Schools about school registrations, as well as separate critical upcoming scholarship deadlines, and FAFSA information.
Collier County Public Schools Online School Registration
As of February 1, Collier County Public Schools open their online registration system. In the past, early registration was only for kindergarten. This year, the February 1 date applies to all grade levels. And registration is fully online. This doesn’t mean, however, that parents should wait until close to the start of the next school year to sign up. The earlier, the better. That way, you can make sure you have all the required documents and information ready to go.
In Collier County, like in the rest of Florida, the number of enrolled kindergarten students for this current school year is smaller than in previous years. The school district is both expecting and hoping that means the 2021-2022 kindergarten class will be much larger! Be aware, to be eligible for kindergarten, students must have turned 5 years old before September 1 of that year. Also, be aware that Collier County requires a student to complete kindergarten before moving on to first grade. These requirements are described in the CCPS Student Progression Plan.
High School Graduation, FAFSA, and Scholarships
On the other end of the public school spectrum, Collier County Public Schools reported a 92.2% graduation rate for the class of 2020. This is good news, indicating that the pandemic did not keep seniors from graduating, even though so much of their routine was changed. In fact, this is 0.3% higher than the 2019 graduation rate.
More troubling for this year’s senior class, however, is that the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion rate currently sits at 28.8%. This is a year-over-year decrease of about 20%. What does this mean, and why is it happening? Unfortunately, it means that students who don’t complete their FAFSA cannot apply for much-needed scholarship and financial aid support for the next school year. As to why, Future Ready Collier is working with its partners to try to reach students to help them feel encouraged and empowered to pursue the credential, certificate, or degree, and ultimately the career, of their choosing.
Of immediate urgency, the Community Foundation of Collier County’s Scholarship Connector is only open to applications until February 1! The Scholarship Connector “includes all scholarships maintained through the Foundation and any local scholarships available to students through private donors, corporations and organizations who wish to assist students with their educational paths and dreams.” College scholarships offered through the Schulze Family Foundation are open to application until March 1. Most opportunities like these will require a completed FAFSA. If you need any help in accessing or completing the FAFSA, Champions For Learning has free instructional videos online. Collier County Public Schools also keep resources on their website.
We’re Here to Help
As students get fully into their second semester, and more and more students return to on-campus learning, Future Ready Collier and its regional partners are available to help answer questions, provide assistance, and help students achieve whatever next educational step they aspire to.
Prepared by Caroline Ridgway of C1B1 Communications.